Birdwatching? Do I have the link for you!
http://betterviewdesired.com/
The writer is an optics expert, and birdwatcher of world-class reputation.
Have a look at his 'classic' articles, and you will see many reviews of many sorts of binos, not all of which cost a fortune.
If it were my mom, I'd take a REAL hard look at Pentax PCF WP line. These are porro prism (typical looking) binoculars, and have twist-up eyecups to adjust eye relief (instead of the rather cheesey, by comparison, folding eye cups). They are also waterproof, hence the 'WP' designation.
An excellent place to buy these, and other good binos, is:
http://www.17photo.com/mivastore/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=17photo&Product_Code=65801
Right now, Pentax is offering a $25.00 rebate on certain binos, including the 8x40 PCF WP, which are priced at $118.89 before the rebate!! That's a bargain friend.
I think you will find Better View Desired to be a wealth of info. And another place worth checking for various binos and various bargains is Amazon.com, believe it or not. They have access to a gazillion different vendors, and their website will provide price comparisons and reader reviews which might be helpful.
But 17thStreetPhoto is a *very* reputable vendor. You cannot go wrong doing business with them.
Good luck!